Government-run Port Royal is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design which recently celebrated its 30^th anniversary. The course is laid out over an undulating piece of property that is evident from first tee box. The course opens up towards the end of the front nine and presents some of the sweeping seaside views that are Bermuda’s trademark. The inland holes are an even mix and after a fun opening hole, the course truly takes off at the sixth.

Six is a short par-four that plays into an elevated, tricky green. While the length is not intimidating, finding the proper tier on the approach is the key to making a good score. After the first glimpse of the ocean at the seventh, a difficult par three awaits at eight. Playing 200 yards from the back tee, the wind is usually the biggest challenge, and the ocean backdrop can make it tough to gauge the distance.

The closing stretch, beginning at the 15th hole, veers towards the water. The 16th is the highlight, and deserves its standing among the world’s best and most beautiful holes. Only 176 yards from the back tee, the wind and scenery are dramatic. Photographs of this hole have become synonymous with Bermuda golf, evident in the masses of first-time visitors who stand in awe and snap away.

The two closing holes make good use of the rolling terrain and often deceive golfers with their relatively short distances. Reachable in two shots for the long hitter, the 509-yard 17th plays uphill, and requires an aggressive approach to carry the water. The smarter and safer play may be to lay back. The closing hole plays back towards the clubhouse, but also moves uphill and plays much longer than the 405 yards listed on the scorecard.